Cops and Courts

Family of fraternity pledge who died wins settlement

MORGANTOWN — The Nolan Burch family reached a settlement with all sides — including WVU and the national fraternity — in a civil suit over his death.

Burch died in November 2014 following a pledging event at the Kappa Sigma fraternity, during which he suffered a medical episode after drinking heavily. Tests showed he had a .493 blood alcohol content at the time of his death.

The family filed suit for Burch’s wrongful death against WVU, the Kappa Sigma fraternity and others.

On Jan. 17, that settlement was approved by a judge during the court hearing. Burch’s parents said they felt the settlement was fair.

No monetary figure was announced during the settlement and now it’s under court seal.

The defendants in the case did not admit liability though the settlement.